Game Changers in Management

A “game changer” is a metaphor commonly used to describe a broad range of events and phenomena in different fields and domains, from natural disasters, through economic crises, emerging narratives, technological or social innovations to conflicts and political or military interventions. Although precise definitions of a “game changer” vary and its conceptual boundaries remain blurred scholars agree that its main quality is the ability to change the status quo. Management scholars have long been interested in increasing the relevance and impact of their studies by addressing a diverse range of global issues. This aspiration to offer significant and meaningful theoretical, practical and societal contributions has led to the advent of strand of management research related to “grand challenges”. Solving any of these challenges could be a game changer, not only from management studies perspective but also from a wider social standpoint.